Throw a Star Wars soirée

What better excuse for girls outside Austria to wear plaited buns on the side of their heads and for the boys to fight with plastic light sabres than by throwing a Star Wars party? Celebrate the premiere of the final instalment of the intergalactic series on May 19th with our guide...

The Venue

Unless you've got a budget to match George Lucas, hiring out your own Death Star might not be a realistic venue for your party of the century. But you can throw a big bash that'll be out of this world somewhere closer to home. Assuming you're not going to be jetting off to Ibizan superclub Space, Leicester Square's very own Empire Lounge would be an apt choice of venue — as would The Rocket in Islington or St John Wood's Star Bar.

But if your Jedi mind tricks haven't worked on the bank manager yet, hotfoot it to your nearest pound shop for tin foil buying in bulk and, er, let your imagination run wild all over your flat. Back in the days of silver milk bottle tops these would have come in handy too, but think Changing Rooms and get creative.

What to wear

Trinny and Susannah would have a heart attack at the thought of going home made, but they don't get invited to parties for a reason. An old white sheet and some hairgrips will miraculously turn any woman into every man's fantasy — just go with your Blue Peter honed instincts - or the ladies can dress up in that gold bikini they've been keeping at the back of the wardrobe for a rainy day.

For men who get a five o' clock shadow before they've brushed their teeth in the morning, skip the Gillette for a few days and go as Chewbacca. If you have a penchant for all things dark side either knock up a storm trooper outfit - decorators' boiler-suits are ideal - or go over the top with the black binliner capes and deep breathing for the Darth Vader effect. Those with more pure intentions can don a hooded bathrobe and claim to be an all-powerful Jedi Knight while swinging their toyshop sabres.

For the less imaginative and more easily embarrassed you don't have to go to the end of the world to find a fantastic range of Star Wars outfits at fancy dress shops. At Angels Fancy Dress on Shaftesbury Avenue for example the full Darth Vader look will set you back £28.50 — and you can even get a £6.99 voice changer.

Drinks and eats

It's not likely that the aquatic creatures favoured as a live snack by Jabba the Hutt will be tantalising anyone's taste buds, but how about concocting your own intergalactic canapés to serve at an upmarket event — calamari anyone? Or you could make use of your very own futuristic appliance — also known as a microwave — as space age microchips are a favourite with Jedis so we hear and we all know robots like Smash instant mash!

Anything with alcohol is likely to please your guests in the liquid department, however if you're a student — or wish you still were one - incorporate a viewing of the classic flick into the evening's entertainment and play the Star Wars drinking game. Make up your own rules, but drink every time a key event occurs. For example every time Luke's destiny, Han Solo brags, Princess Leia hurls abuse at someone or Yoda uses bad grammar.

Name that tune

If you play the Star Wars theme tune for four hours on a trot don't expect to win a host of the year award — it's more than the most die-hard fan could take. Instead use the force... of your (or your hired DJ's) CD collection and select a space age playlist. Suggested titles include Star Man by David Bowie, Rocket Man by Elton John, and Babylon Zoo's Spaceman. Other less misogynist choices might include the cheesy Star Trekkin' by The Firm - which will really annoy any Trekkie gatecrashers, Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon or Holst's Planet Suite if you have very posh or very old mates. Moonwalking is a must on the dance floor of course!

And finally sit back and enjoy the Star Wars soirée that you'll remember for light years to come!